A group of drop-in players at the RichmondPro Badminton Centre are thrilled with the news the 55+ B.C. Games are coming to the city in 2020.
The group is fresh off their inaugural trip to the Games in Kimberley and Cranbrook two weeks ago where they represented Zone 4 and brought home a whopping 47 medals, including 27. The total represents 75 percent of the medals handed out during the five-day badminton competition.
Besides the success, the camaraderie of the Games and the opportunity to compete against other players from around the province has the group already looking forward to next year’s Games in Kelowna. Then it will be in its own backyard two years from now.
“It was something for all of us to do instead of sitting at home and watching TV,” laughed trip organizer Dansy Tam who had experienced a 55+ Games before on his own.”
The contingent also included: Chris Kwee, Jack Chan, Judy Yen, Shai Yun Peng, Roy Tang, Kevin Chen, William Chin, Peter Lalani, George Lau Chun Leung, Anita Jang, Jannei Yu, Frankie Chow, John Chow, Steven Lam and Cynthia Hsiung.
The 55+ BC Games is an annual, multi-sport competition celebrating active and healthy seniors.
With five days of competition and cultural events, the event will attract more than 3,000 athletes who will participate in over 23 sports. They will travel from across the province to experience the competition and camaraderie of the annual Games.
“I am very happy to offer our congratulations on behalf our board and members to the City of Richmond for securing the bid to host the 2020 BC 55+ Games in Zone 4 Lower Mainland,” said Cindy Simpson, president of the B.C. Senior Games Society. “As our Games are returning to Zone, 4 that has a history a strong contingent attending games, we will be anticipating strong participant numbers in the events and sports that will be run! Wishing you every success in hosting these Games!”
Richmond will celebrate in Roaring 20s style with a memorable Games featuring superb sports facilities in a supportive, diverse community and exciting urban environment.
The 2020 Games will be a compact event with all venues within 10 kilometres of the Games Village in historic Minoru Park and will feature iconic venues such as the new Minoru Centre for Active Living and the Richmond Olympic Oval.¬
“Richmond is very excited to be welcoming the 55+ BC Games in 2020,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “This event will further build on our impressive community legacy for sport hosting including the highly successful 2009 BC Seniors Games, being a Venue City for the 2010 Olympic Games and hosting the upcoming 2020 CARHA Hockey World Cup, known as the Olympics of adult recreational hockey.
“With outstanding sports facilities, experienced and enthusiastic community partners and volunteers and a broad selection of hotels, dining and attractions we will deliver an unforgettable experience for all the participants.”
In 2017, an Economic Impact study found Games provide an impact of over $3.3 million to the host community. In addition, host communities will benefit from the development of capacity to host large multisport events through training volunteers and improved infrastructure through the Games Legacy program.
